Improvement in fence-posts



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` FENCE PcJsT.` I No. 186,271.` P'atemrea Jan.v1e,1e77.

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N. PETERS, PNDTo-LITHOGAPHER. WASHINGTON. D. C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

, PETER J. RICKARD, OF'DE KALB, ILLINOIS.

IMPROVEMENT IN FENCE-POSTS.

Speciiication forming part of Letters Patent No. 186,271, dated January 16, 1877; application filed i May 24, 1876.

. the accompanying drawings, in which-'- Figurelis a side elevation; Fig. 2, an edge view; Fig. 3, a section at of Fig. 1; Fig. 4, a section at y of Fig. l; Fig. 5, a vertical sec tion on line z of Fig. 1.

The object of this invention is to construct an iron post so that it can be easily set in the ground, and when in place retain its upright position under ordinary circumstances, and at the same time be furnished at slight expense; and this I accomplish by making that portion of the post which enters the groundbroad and comparatively thin, and with flanges upon the edges.

In the drawings, A'represents the post complete a is the upper end, or that portion which is above the ground. b is the lower end, which is intended to be placed in the ground. This portion bis broad and quite thin at the lower end, as shown in Fig. 5. The upper portion a, can be somewhat narrower thanV the lower part, and to secure strength with the least quantityof metal, its

form may be as shown in cross-section in Fig. 4. c c represent two anges, one upon each side of the lower portion b of the post, and projecting from each side thereof, as shown in Fig. 3. The lower ends are somewhat thin. 1 are holes, designed to receive hooks or staples to hold wires, which are to be attached to the posts to complete the fence.

Boards, however, may be used with these posts, in which case a portion of them may be provided with two rows of holes, suitably located, to receive wrought-nails, by means of which the boards can be secured to the post or the single row of holes can be used, the ends of the boards overlapping, or being placed 'alternately on opposite sides of the posts.

Thepost can be made either from wrought or cast iron.

If made as described it can be driven into the ground under `ordinary conditions, thus dispensing with the cost of digging holes therefor; and when in place the broad flat surface b otl the postand the flanges c, between Whch anges the earth will be tightly packed, will sustain the same in an upright position under all ordinary circumstances.

I am aware that iron posts ot' various forms suitable for driving have been used, and therefore I do not claim, broadly, such a post; but

What l do claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is as follows:

The metal fencefpost A, having its lower portion b broad and `flat, and provided with the perforations d and the flanges c, as shown, extending full width to the bottom of the post, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

t PETER J. RICKARD.

Witnesses:

E. A. WEsT, O. W. BOND. 

